60 Inch Round Saarinen Table

Vintage, new and antique conference tables are key to designing functional offices, setting the tone through shape and materials.

The evolution of floor plans and office furniture such as desks or office chairs shows how the workplace has changed over the years. One trend in the 20th century was the open floor plan, which was pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright. The profoundly influential architect’s design for the 1936 office building for SC Johnson Wax was an early example. Soon, major American furniture manufacturers would take aim at creating furnishings for the workplace.

In 1942, Herman Miller, anticipating a postwar economic boom, began making office furniture for the first time, while at Knoll, a special office-focused division created by Florence Knoll in the mid-1940s designed office spaces for the likes of GM and CBS.

Open-floor-plan offices became mainstream by the mid-century as a way to reflect a company’s values. Working in an open space meant that employees were equal and the design was aimed at improving communication and cooperation. The conference table was key to this vision. Businesses with an open floor plan needed a place for meetings and this ensured that the conference table and conference room became staples of the modern office.

A round conference table is egalitarian and informal, getting people to participate and share ideas. A rectangular conference table is more structured, allowing executives to sit at the end of the table to conduct the meeting.

The style and color of the table are also important. A bold color can make participants feel more creative; a unique shape can evoke innovation and modernity. Creatives often invest in eye-catching furniture to express their company’s individuality.

A variety of conference tables can be found on 1stDibs, from postmodern conference tables for forward-looking businesses to new and custom options to make a conference room stand out.